ILION - Emilio James "Jim" Fernandez, 83, of Ilion, formerly of Albany, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2012. He was born on September 23, 1928, in Albany, the son of Emilio and Lena Whitman Fernandez. He graduated in 1947 from Cathedral Academy of Albany. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Navy as a radio receiver. On March 3, 1952, he was married to Anna May Belfield at St. Joseph's Church in Albany. In his early years, he was a television technician at AB Dick in Albany. For over twenty years, Jim worked as a computer technician at MDS in Herkimer. After retirement, he worked various jobs, including painting, lawn maintenance, snow removal, and maintenance at the Catholic Charities and Knights of Columbus. Jim served as an altar server for the bishop for many years. In his spare time, he was involved in various activities, including Boy Scout Leader, Troop 23, Ilion, and Little League Coach for Ilion Tigers B Team. Jim always kept busy with working or activities involving scouting or Little League. He was a member of the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion Knights of Columbus #518 - 4th Degree, Herkimer American Legion #38 and Ilion-Frankfort VFW #502. Survivors include his beloved wife, Anna; children, Thomas (Lisa), Steven and Cynthia Fernandez; grandchildren, Anthony Fernandez, Emily Benner and Nicole and Matt Forbes; three brothers, John (Beatrice), Paul (Shirley) and Gerald (Leslie) Fernandez; in-laws, Ebb (Theresa), Ora (Ruth) Belfield, Harold (Helen), William Belfield and Don (Marilyn) Belfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Lesch; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ferd (Winnie) Ames; and also by many pets that he loved and enjoyed very much: Bo, Rommell, Pepper, Cocoa, Buster and Dukie. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Jim's Memorial Mass on Monday, February 6, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, West St., Ilion, with Rev. Leo Potvin officiating, assisted by Deacon Jim Bower. Spring burial will be at Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. There are no scheduled calling hours. There will be a gathering at the Ilion Knights of Columbus immediately following the Memorial Mass. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Ilion Catholic Charities. Envelopes will be available at the church. The Fernandez family has entrusted all funeral arrangements and supervision to Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion, Don Applegate, Funeral Director.